Scotland: Western's promotion Czech
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| Scotland |
April 18, 2003
The Telegraph
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By Mike Stanger
Western Wildcats are in Hostivar, in the Czech Republic, for the men's European Cup-Winners' Cup with strong hopes of reaching Monday's final and thereby gaining promotion for Scotland back to the top division.
The Wildcats are purring along on a high following last weekend's clinching of the national league title with impressive back-to-back victories over Grange and Pro-life Kelburne.
Vishal Marwaha's men are now champing at the bit to take on HC Rosco (Hungary) today, then WAC (Austria) and Grammarians (Gibraltar) in Pool B. The Scots are seeded to win the group and could then face either the Belgian side, KHC Dragons, or CUS Bologna, from Italy, in Monday's final.
At the start of this season's campaign, coach Harry Dunlop challenged the squad to contemplate the elusive treble of league championship, promotion in Europe and Scottish Cup. The first has already been achieved, and Dunlop believes that the second is now also a realistic call. "The side is good enough, especially now that we have a full bench back together for the trip to Hostivar."
Certainly, Western have the firepower to achieve their coach's ambition. There is strength and talent in the boilerhouse of the midfield now that internationalists Graham Moodie and David Mitchell have returned from their Australian sojourn.
"They are both looking really good and they have brought an additional dimension to our play," said Dunlop.
Calum McLeod also returns after a few weeks' absence 'Down Under', and his vision and calm distribution provides added finesse to the centre of the midfield as well as offering alternative employment for Graham Dunlop, in midfield or adding pace to the rearguard. Up front, Johnny McMeechan has taken on a new lease of life.
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